Old cabinet find
+34
My hubby found this left behind at the apartment complex where he works. The front and sides look good, the top has some rings and fading. The bottom of the cabinet when you open the two doors at the bottom, will need replacing, the bottoms of the two drawers are good. Any suggestions from all of you talented people I see on this website. Or any knowledge on the history of this piece? Thank you.
28 answers
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This is an unusual looking cabinet. The plain shaker style doors and legs don't seem to go with the hardware or other detail on the piece. I would remove the doors and make an open shelf and possibly trim current legs and add some legs that add interest. Some like the picture I have attached. Then you can paint or stain to your liking.
V Valencia
on Mar 18, 2015
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I have a cabinet like this with a mirror and towel holder mounted to the top.It may have been what was called a dry sink,which held a bowl and pitcher for washing. These were common before indoor plumbing.
Kimberley Bradley-Lennon
on Mar 18, 2015
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It's a commode, that was used in the bedroom before indoor plumbing. The "honey pot" was stored behind the door and emptied daily. We've come a long way Baby!!
Kari Bucklin
on Mar 18, 2015
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beautiful!! Clean it, touch up the top where the rings are located, poly the top, oil everything with mineral oil, and it and leave it alone. It will last another 100 years. :)
Debbie Bledsoe
on Mar 18, 2015
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WHats your style? Use it anyway you like, the point is use it for your need. I would like to see what you do. Paint is better than not using it, but someday , if you just Danish oil it to shine it up, it will be worth a lot as is, Antiques are on the rise again and your item will soon be HOT just as it is....
Zelda Cornwinkle
on Mar 18, 2015
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I believe you have a dresser someone redone as the doors on the bottom are not a matching the rest of the piece. The doors wold have held a commode. Really cool piece please post what it" turns into" next.
Donna Hagen
on Mar 18, 2015
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It is a really pretty piece. Paint it or strip it and restain. Best of luck to you!
JulieArt
on Mar 18, 2015
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@Marguerite Pope Lucky You, what a beautiful piece! I would restore it myself, but it's really up to your taste if you want to restore or paint it! :)
Katrina Warren
on Mar 18, 2015
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if you would take the bottom doors off, replace the empty space with a wine rack on one side and a wine glass holder on the other and painted the whole piece with a paint such as milk paint ,that would bring out the details in the design. I think it would make a beautiful dinning room piece. but what ever you decide ,id love to see the final results. Good luck
Melinda
on Mar 18, 2015
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It is a very pretty piece. If I had it I would scrub it down with ammonia to get all the old finish off and just wax it well.I think I would like the bottom doors off and wicker or wire baskets in it.. Best wishes. I love the piecd.
Barbara John
on Mar 19, 2015
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Since it was originally a commode, it would be a beautiful vanity for a vessel sink. It depends on the actual height of the piece. It looks like the drawers are veneered so I would probably paint it, make the top drawer non functioning to accommodate the plumbing. It would be beautiful!
Carol
on Mar 19, 2015
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Clean it gently, use some pledge oil on it. Maybe find a remnent piece of granite to put on top and use in a bathroom or laundry room. Depending on the height you could even use it in your dining room
Laura
on Mar 19, 2015
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It looks fabulous just like that! Maybe a nice cleaning, glass tabletop, remove doors and replace with baskets. If you want to go mobile, you can place some great wheels at the bottom.
Anitag805
on Mar 19, 2015
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As others have indicated, this is a darling early 1900's commode. I have had its twin many times in my shop, doors are original to the piece. Since its in such good condition, I wouldn't tear apart or paint - just restore the wood finish and love into the next century
Debbie Dickman - The Magpie's Cottage
on Mar 19, 2015
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Before you do anything to it, do some research to see what it's worth. Then I agree with the rest of the people here about doing a light touch up and leaving it original.
Cathy C
on Mar 19, 2015
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Why can't I ever find pieces like this? Good suggestions already given so I won't add to them.
Rhonda
on Mar 19, 2015
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I wonder how tall it is, as I am sitting here looking at my very similar buffet or sideboard. On mine, the bottom doors are decorated and the drawers are plain, with wood knobs. Is the top counter height? If so, it's probably a sideboard for a dining area rather than a dry sink, which would be a little bit shorter. Counter-height is right for a cutting table for a sewing room, which you could make by adding a larger top. It wouldn't have to be attached permanently. If it were mine, I wouldn't paint it, as I love the look of old wood.
Martha
on Mar 19, 2015
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I received a piece like yours from my Grandmother. It was old and dirty, almost black looking. Used Murphy's Oil Soap to clean (follow directions exactly.) After a few years, my taste changed to a more contemporary look. This is what I did. First, I sanded the top down to the bare wood and lightly sanded the rest. Painted the top a clear coat and all the rest of the commode a soft black. It blends in perfectly with my new, soft contemporary look. It is all up to you and what you like. Some folks will shutter at the thought of painting an antique and I used to feel the same way. Sorry! In addition, your drawer pulls look authentic to the piece and are just beautiful. I certainly would sit back, take your time with your decision. My advise to you is, walk around your house. Write down your ideas as you go. Don't be in a hurry...as the best "idea" will come when you least expect it!
861650
on Mar 19, 2015
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This looks like a piece from the turn of the 19/20th centuries, and in pretty good shape. If you want to preserve it's integrity, do not sand or refinish, or polish the drawer pulls. Antiques have value and changing the original appearance by doing those things can decrease it's value immensely. If you don't like the look of it as an antique, it might be better to sell it and use the money for something that may appeal more to you.
Melanie Pennock
on Mar 19, 2015
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Please check into whether or not it is a significant piece of antique furniture. It appears to me to be a type of oak. It has wonder lines and if the hardware is original, you could have a real find! Do some research and find out what type of wood, and the name and use of the piece, before you do anything. Your local library may have a few books with pictures help you find it's use. Since they are not making anymore antiques, do your research first. Good luck.
Sandra Withers
on Mar 19, 2015
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Great that you are not painting. Probably oak wood which has a beautiful grain. Clean up and please do not sand away the patina. Honor your grandmother by using the scarf.
Gloria tulip
on Mar 20, 2015
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I can't answer your questions, but it's gorgeous & I wouldn't do much, if anything, to it. It has so much beauty and character with the "flaws" that make it more real & interesting I think. Great find--lucky you! ;)
Anne
on Mar 20, 2015
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Take the picture to Scott's Antique Market this weekend in Forest Park,Ga.They have a huge market,many dealers in every sort of Antiques.Some one there can tell you all about it, The top drawer is called Serpentine,not wavy.Very nice piece.
Barbara C
on Mar 21, 2015
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I have several older wood dressers handed down to me by my family. They are made of solid oak wood and I believe they are antiques. I cleaned them with murphy's oil soap ( made for use on wood) then applied a lemon oil made by Parker & Bailey Corp. and recommended to me by a local woodcrafters supply store. This oil rehydrated the wood that was so dry and faded age. I was amazed at the transformation! The wood soaked up the lemon oil! It restored my dressers to the point where the wood almost looked like new I haven't felt the need to even put a wax on it. I do have a soft furniture cream wax made by the same company, but didn't feel the need to use it. These products cost just less than $20 each, I recommend them highly. I believe they are sold online.
Mijackson48
on Mar 21, 2015
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Many thanks to all who replied and educated and advised me about this cabinet my husband found left behind at an apartment. I took your advice and only cleaned it up. I used an old scarf my grandmother made and embroidered, found an old lamp, and some French themed coasters and a clock at Kirkland's that has "Cafe des Marguerites" on it. Many of you wanted me to share pictures when I decided what to do with it. An antique dealer authenicated the piece for me and told me I could probably get at least $300 for it. I can't believe someone left it behind but considering the shape it was in and the flecks of paint where it looked like someone spray painted near it, they didn't care about it anyway. Now it has a home where it is appreciated and will be taken care of. Again, many thanks for all of your help.
Marguerite Pope
on Apr 10, 2015
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Glad you heeded to such good advice. As a youth I saw these used in a bedroom, often with a bowl and pitcher. It is such versatile piece of furniture it can be used in many places. I actually have one at the end wall of my kitchen with teacups on top, napkins in drawers, and many things stored in the bottom part. Mine has a linseed oil finish.
Gloria tulip
on Apr 11, 2015
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First, I would try an orange oil furniture polish.......that might be all you need.....
Carrie Krumrie
on Jun 04, 2015
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It is beautiful. ...so glad he saved it!!!
Carrie Krumrie
on Jun 04, 2015
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